THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 8, 1996 TAG: 9608070116
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSIE STOUGHTON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 55 lines
The city's first effort to provide coordinated services for children was a tremendous success, organizers of the Children's Assistance and Resource Event Fair say.
According to questionnaires filled out by participants, about 600 people attended the CARE Fair last Saturday at Elephant's Fork Elementary School.
``We would guess it was more like 750,'' said Gin Staylor, chair of the Early Childhood Development Commission and one of the event's organizers.
CARE Fair brought together various service agencies in one place to provide children a chance to get state required immunizations, school physicals, health and developmental screenings and to provide families with information on services, recreation and financial assistance.
In between their immunizations and health and dental screenings, children enjoyed pony rides, a petting zoo and entertainment by a clown and Sparky, the Fire Department's mascot.
``If you've got to go get shots and you get to ride a pony, too, it makes getting the shot a little more bearable,'' Staylor said.
The CARE Fair was sponsored by the Early Childhood Development Commission, in coordination with Obici Hospital, Suffolk Department of Social Services, Suffolk Health Department and Suffolk Public Schools.
During the five-hour event, 100 dental screenings were done, 15 school physicals were performed and 34 people received immunizations - with 101 shots given.
Response from families was positive. More than half the participants who filled out questionnaires rated it a 10, the highest score on a scale of one to 10, with one person giving it an 11 - ``off the scale.''
About 120 volunteers helped at the event.
``We felt like it was a good way to bring the community together,'' Staylor said. ``It was a real community effort to make things better for the children.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MICHAEL KESTNER
Gabrielle Hollomon, 4, gets a big hug from Sparky the fire mascot
during the CARE Fair at Elephant's Fork Elementary. Sparky was one
of several personalities to entertain the children.
Doncellar Madison, held by her mother, Veronica, sheds a few tears
after getting a shot at the CARE Fair. During the 5-hour event, 101
state required immunizations were administered.
Free refreshments were one of the perks at the health fair. About
750 people attended, organizers estimate. Children could register
for school and get their physicals.
The Ward children, Demetrius, 2 1/2, left; Marquis, 5; and Darien, 2
1/2, wait patiently for their mom, Esther Ward, to fill out papers
for Marquis' school physical. by CNB